PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Considering the potential dengue threat and waterlogging during the rainy season, the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) will start conducting inspections of basements of residential and commercial buildings. The move aims to mitigate waterlogging issues and prevent mosquito breeding which become common problems during the rainy season. The Dehradun municipal health officer Dr Avinash Khanna said that the inspections will focus on ensuring that basements are not being misused and are compliant with existing building bylaws and safety regulations. “Stagnant water in basements creates ideal conditions for mosquito breeding, especially for the Aedes aegypti mosquito responsible for spreading dengue. These checks are a proactive step to prevent any health crisis during the monsoon,” he said. Khanna further added that officials will verify whether establishments are adhering to structural and safety norms and will also crack down on any prohibited activities being carried out in underground spaces. He informed that the corporation had undertaken a similar exercise last year, during which around 100 establishments were inspected and penalties were imposed on at least 50 for various violations, including water accumulation, illegal plastic storage and usage and poor sanitation standards. Khanna said that waterlogged basements not only pose a risk for mosquito breeding but can also weaken a building’s foundation over time. He stated that unchecked misuse of basements ranging from unlicensed storage units to illegal commercial setups also poses fire hazards and health concerns. Khanna has urged citizens and property owners to cooperate with officials during inspections and to maintain hygienic conditions, especially in basement areas, to ensure public health and structural safety. The drive is expected to begin within two weeks and will continue throughout the monsoon season, he added.
